Remembering Fr. Mario, O.S.B.

Steds Alumni gathering for Fr. Mario

Stedsmen from across the country gathered at Marmion Abbey outside Chicago to give thanks to God for the life of Fr. Mario Pedi, O.S.B., the Rector of St. Edward's Hall from 1976 to 1985.

Here's a reflection from Timothy McLean of Fr. Mario's funeral Mass and the reunion of Steds Alumni:

The men of St. Ed's certainly did our hallowed dorm proud yesterday.  Countless alumni arrived in droves from every part of the country to be with Father Mario's family, fellow monks and friends to celebrate a wonderful life lived.  The entire St. Ed's community also attended in spirit.

The day was gorgeous but exceedingly hot and humid -- reminiscent of those days in August long ago when we each met Father Mario while venturing through the steamy halls of St. Ed's for the first time.  The day was also a tremendous tribute to Fr. Mario.  Plenty of tears but far more laughter as we relived the timeless stories one more time.  This picture shows just a few of us who were left well past closing time -- still pushing the parietals rules one more time in Mario's memory.

The bricks of St. Ed's remained in Fr. Mario's blood throughout his life, and Fr. Mario's blood remains in the bricks of St. Ed's forever.  As he always said so sincerely to complete each Mass, "Thanks for being here," Mario!

Indeed, many thanks to those who could be present and to all those who remembered and prayed for Fr. Mario from afar!

Fr. Mario, requisat in pace!